22 Best Things to Do in Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines, the capital of Iowa
, is home to a diverse selection of attractions, museums and parks. View modern art at Des Moines Art Center, take a tour of the Capitol building, shop at the Downtown Farmers’ Market and take a stroll through the spectacular Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Best things to do in Des Moines, IA with kids include the Blank Park Zoo, the Science Center of Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

The Des Moines Art Center, founded in 1948, houses a large collection of modern art, paintings, and sculptures in its facilities located on Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines. The building was designed by Eliel Saarinen and combines the Art Deco style with the Art Nouveau style.

The center’s permanent collection includes works of art by well-known artists such as Matisse, Monet, O’Keefe, Rodin, and many more. The main gallery is used to display temporary exhibits that usually last from one to three months. In addition to the main building, there is a rose garden as well as various outdoor sculptures. Read more

»Downtown Farmers' Market, Des Moines, Iowa

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held along Court Avenue in the Downtown Historic Court District of Des Moines. Supporting 300 artists, bakers, crafts people, and farmers, it has been connecting rural and urban communities for forty years.

Farmers from 58 counties in Iowa are represented at the market, and some of the produce offered includes fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and cheese, flowers and herbs, and much more. If you are wondering what to do in Des Moines on a sunny day, this is a great stop. Beef, chicken, goat, lamb, pork, and turkey are some of the meats that are sold at the market. The market also hosts special events like entertainers and festivals.

»Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Located on Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a 4.4-acre park that opened in 2009. The park is home to over 20 sculptures by well-known artists.

The Pappajohns donated these works of art and represent the largest donation of art made to Des Moines Art Center.

Although guided tours are offered from April to October, anyone can visit the park and view the sculptures while the park is open. School tours are welcome and it is possible to rent the park for special events.

»Des Moines Performing Arts

The Des Moines Performing Arts is a non-profit arts organization that owns and operates the 2,735-seat Des Moines Civic Center located on Walnut Street. Established by local business leaders in 1979, the organization presents the Willis Broadway Series and other world-class productions such as The Dance Series and the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series.

The Des Moines Civic Center was a part of the revitalization of the downtown area of the city, and past performers include Victor Borge, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Sarah Vaughan, and many more. In addition to the Des Moines Civic Center, the organization also operates Cowles Commons, the Stoner Theater, and the Temple Theater. If you are looking for date night ideas in Des Moines, watch a performance at this unique venue.

»Salisbury House & Gardens, Des Moines, Iowa

Located on Tonawanda Drive, the Salisbury House & Gardens is a furnished 1920s mansion and botanical garden. The historic stone mansion contains an art museum, a concert venue, and a library. It is one of the top romantic attractions in Des Moines, Iowa. Carl and Edith Weeks built the Salisbury House after a visit to the 15th century Kings House in Salisbury, England.

The art museum houses the Weeks’ collections of books, decorative art, and fine art, as well as musical instruments. The Salisbury House also hosts special events such as yoga in the gardens, book clubs, concerts, and dinners. The house and gardens can be rented for private functions like weddings and parties.

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»World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

Located in the former Des Moines Public Library Building on Locust Street, the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a museum and educational center dedicated to Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug and the programs he established to fight hunger and achieve global food security.

The facility consists of several spaces including a ballroom, a gallery, educational exhibit areas, gardens, and more. The rooms and the garden can be rented for special occasions such as board meetings, conferences, parties, and weddings. The organization offers public tours and school tours as well as holiday open houses that feature live performances.

The Blank Park Zoo is a zoological park located on 9th Street south of downtown Des Moines close to historic Fort Des Moines. Consisting of 25 acres, the zoo originally opened as the Des Moines Children’s Zoo in 1966. Today, it is dedicated to conservation and education.

The only accredited zoo in the state, the Blank Park Zoo features several large exhibits such as the Discovery Center, which consists of several sections like the Cave, the Free Range Aviary, and the Meredith Alpine Exhibit. Other exhibits include the African Boardwalk, the Aquarium of the Discovery Center, and the David Kruidenier Australia Adventure. If you are wondering what to see in Des Moines with kids, the Blank Park Zoo is a fun place to visit on a family vacation. Read more

»East Village

Bounded on the north by Interstate 235, East 14th Street on the east, and the Des Moines River on the south and the west, the East Village is a downtown residential and commercial district in Des Moines. It is a historic area where you can find the State of Iowa Historical Museum, the Iowa State Capitol, and numerous buildings that are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places such as the Hohberger Building, the Municipal Building, the Northwestern Hotel, and more.

When several buildings were scheduled to be demolished, citizens stepped in, and today many of the buildings are used as restaurants, shops, and housing. The East Village hosts many events and is a dynamic and popular neighborhood. Photo: Miles/Fotolia

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The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a 14-acre botanical garden located on Robert D. Ray Drive on the east bank of the Des Moines River. The garden began in 1939 as a city greenhouse, and today’s Botanical Garden facility opened in 1979. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is one of the must-see attractions in the city. More than 1,200 different kinds of plants are on display, and the mission of the conservatory is to celebrate and explain the world of plants.

Collections include Amaryllis, Bonsai, and Orchid, among others. The garden hosts events such as Fall Gardening, Garden Growers - An Apple a Day, Story Sprouts, and Yoga at the Garden. Read more

»Proof, Des Moines, Iowa

Behind a simple and unassuming facade Proof hides a secret: highly acclaimed chef Sean Wilson. Chef Wilson creates world-class dishes that combine local, seasonally grown produce with North African/Mediterranean influence superimposed on classic American comfort food. It sounds complicated, but the results are provocative and delicious. Watermelon tartar, mushroom ragu, and roasted bone marrow are just some of the delights you can expect from the ever-changing menu.

If you really want to be entertained by Chef Sean’s latest imaginative ventures, book one of his “every second Saturday” events. It is fixed price six-course meal, and anything goes. Proof has an excellent wine list with vintages mostly from Mediterranean countries.

1301 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa, Phone: 515-244-0655Photo: Proof

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»Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden

Located on Locust Street next to the Meredith Corporation, the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden is a display garden, outdoor photography studio, and test garden for the Better Homes and Gardens magazine and web site. Visitors can view the 22 different garden spaces, including the Path Garden with its perennials and flagstone path, the Prairie Garden that contains large perennials like goldenrod, and the Shade Garden, a woodland garden with hostas and other ground plants.

The garden spaces are frequently replanted for visitors’ enjoyment. The garden can be rented for special events such as corporate meetings.

»Tasty Tacos, Des Moines, IA

When Grandma Mosqueda generously passed on her recipe for flour tacos to her enterprising grandchildren more than 50 years ago, she had no idea that her tacos would become legendary. Starting with next to nothing, the Mosquedas now have five restaurants, and people come from everywhere to get a taste of the deep fried flour tacos filled with juicy meat, lettuce, and plenty of cheese.

They maintain a policy of “fast serve not fast food” and make their tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other typical Mexican street food every day from scratch, so everything is fresh and delicious. Tasty Tacos is a renowned Des Moines institution, and their tacos have been voted best in town for years.

»Fong's Pizza

Fong’s Pizza bar and pizzeria defies categorization. Try to imagine a Chinese restaurant with tiki drinks, fabulous pizzas, craft beers, and ongoing karaoke. You can only find this combination at Fong’s. Something they take very seriously at Fong’s are their pizzas, which are Chinese. Well, the fillings are Chinese. You can have your pizza with Moo Shu Pork, Teriyaki Beef, Crab Rangoon, and dozens of other fantastic combinations, each one more unexpected and delicious than the next.

Who would have guessed that such a thing like Chinese pizza exists and that you would love it? However, word has gotten out about the tasty fare and the fun atmosphere, and people can’t stay away. Dining at Fong’s Pizza is an unforgettable experience.

»Science Center of Iowa

The Science Center of Iowa is a hands-on science facility with a planetarium and an IMAX theater all located on West Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway on the west bank of the Des Moines River. The science-based interactive galleries and the education labs are housed in the 110,000 square foot Science Center in the downtown area.

The six-story IMAX theater is dome shaped and seats 216 people. The Science Center offers many educational outreach programs, including camps, preschool visits, school visits, overnight adventures, and more. The center also hosts many different special events such as classes, family nights, IMAX events, and workshops, among others.

»Splash, Des Moines, IA

Located in a renovated historic Homestead Building, Splash is an upscale oyster bar and seafood restaurant with artistic, colorful decor and heavenly food. Don’t let the magnificent murals and huge aquariums distract you from what really matters at Splash: fresh fish from all corners of the world and six kinds of oysters.

The fish arrives daily from places such as Boston, Key Largo, Seattle, and Honolulu. Their Oyster Bar has the freshest live oysters from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest and New England bays. Chef Dominic Iannarelli is a veritable magician who treats his ingredients with the utmost respect – the seafood he prepares is succulent, bursting with flavors, and done to perfection.

His Sea bass meunière is the talk of the town. Splash has more than 450 bottles of wine, ensuring you can find the perfect accompaniment for your meal. One of their two sommeliers will be happy to offer a recommendation. They even offer classes.

303 Locust St, Des Moines, Iowa, Phone: 515-244-5686Photo: Splash

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»RoCA

RoCA (Restaurant on Court Avenue) is located in the Historic Court Avenue District in downtown Des Moines. It is a charming establishment with exposed brick walls and an eye-catching sculpture made of bottles. You can eat in their lounge, at the bar, or in the main dining room; each has its own distinct atmosphere.

The menu is extensive and features Executive Chef Aaron Holt’s interesting modern take on many great favorites. You will find delectable American cuisine with subtle French and Italian touches. Try Ribeye skewers marinated in hoisin sauce or pork chops stuffed with provolone, prosciutto, and served with green beans, shallots, apple caponata, and whipped potatoes. Roca has a respectable wine list and a selection of craft beers to go with your food.

»State Historical Museum

Located on East Locust Street, the State Historical Museum displays exhibits that show the growth of the state of Iowa. The collections include historical documents and artifacts, and visitors can also view exhibits like the Rand McNally Globe and Wings over Iowa. There are educational programs available for students and other groups.

The collection tour is a one-hour walking tour that shows visitors how the museum takes care of its large collection of artifacts and how it stores them. It is possible to rent several spaces in the museum: the atrium for parties and receptions, classrooms for meetings, and the auditorium for lectures.

»Tacopocalypse, Des Moines, Iowa

You can count on a colorful character like Sam Auen to take good old street food like tacos, shake them up, throw away all the rules, and create tacos that people travel miles to enjoy. His bacon chorizo is legendary, but you might want to try the Wasabi brisket or the Bulgogi.

Brunch, or as Sam calls it Brunchpocalypse, has its own menu, which features items like the ICBINBB (I Can’t Believe It’s Not Breakfast Burrito) with Poblano Potatoes Scrambled Eggs, Bacon Chorizo, and Chihuahua cheese, all rolled into a huge flour tortilla and drenched in the house gravy with bits of breakfast sausage. Believe it or not, they also have vegan and vegetarian options.

»Jasper Winery

Jasper Winery began in the year 2000 when Jean and Paul Groben started planting grape vines outside of Newton. As the business grew, the winery moved to its current location on George Flagg Parkway in downtown Des Moines in 2008. In the tasting rooms, visitors are able to sample some of the wines made from vineyards all across the state of Iowa.

The winery offers several tasting experiences such as a 90-minute educational VIP Tasting and Tour, a wine and cheese pairing, and a wine and chocolate pairing. Jasper Winery hosts special events like a summer concert series, jewelry classes, and more.

»Terrace Hill, Des Moines, Iowa

Located on Grand Avenue on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, Terrace Hill is the official residence of the Governor of Iowa. Also known as the Benjamin F. Allen House, the Hubbell Mansion, and the Iowa Governor’s Mansion, it was built in the Second Empire style of architecture and became a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2003.

The 18,000 square foot mansion includes a 90-foot tower and was built for Benjamin Franklin Allen in 1869. Inside the mansion, visitors are able to view the permanent collections as well as temporary changing exhibits.